Domestically, the crown prince has promised a raft of social and economic reforms, including a partial public share offering in Aramco, the state-owned oil company, and the end to a ban on women driving in the kingdom.

He also launched Vision 2030, a reform plan seeking to reduce the reliance of Saudi Arabia's economy on oil and instead develop the country's tourism, health and education sectors.

Robert Richer, former associate deputy director of operations of the CIA, told Al Jazeera the events of the past week marked a significant break with the traditional methods of decision making in the country.